Norwegian metal veterans VREID return with the haunting new single “Loving The Dead (Feat. Djerv & Chris Pontius)”, taken from their upcoming album The Skies Turn Black, out March 6, 2026 via Indie Recordings.
Watch the official music video:
Pre-order The Skies Turn Black
Some collaborations only make sense in hindsight.
“Loving The Dead” unites VREID with fellow Norwegians Djerv, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Agnete Kjølsrud, alongside an unexpected guest appearance from Chris Pontius, globally recognized for his role in Jackass.
Rather than a gimmick, the result feels like a shared descent into a surreal, ritualistic soundscape.
Co-written with Kjølsrud, the track blends:
- VREID’s raw, atmospheric aggression
- Djerv’s haunting vocal intensity
- A cinematic, almost Lynchian emotional undercurrent
The lyrics explore inner darkness, destructive self-talk, and the fragile line between surrender and survival, yet beneath the weight, love still lingers.
Directed by Ulvar Gansum and filmed inside a church in Oslo, the video blurs the line between music clip and psychological short film.
Pontius’ character drifts from barroom chaos into a ritual-like realm, guided by Kjølsrud’s siren presence. Surrounded by masked figures, he undergoes a transformation — ultimately embracing the darkness.
VREID’s Jarle Kvåle explains:
“We wanted to create something cinematic and unexpected — not just a performance video, but a visual journey.”
Pontius adds:
“It didn’t feel strange at all. It felt natural.”
Five years after their previous release, VREID describe the creation of this record as one of the most demanding yet rewarding periods in their history. Communication struggles and creative uncertainty ultimately gave way to renewed focus and artistic growth.
Produced alongside Anders Nordengen and featuring handcrafted artwork by Kim Holm, the album represents what the band consider some of their strongest material to date.
Track List
- From These Woods
- The Skies Turn Black
- A Second Death
- Kraken
- Loving The Dead
- Build & Destroy
- Chaos
- Flammen
- Smile Of Hate
- Echoes Of Life
- The Earth Rumbles
In 2026, VREID will bring The Skies Turn Black to European stages alongside:
- Hypocrisy
- Abbath
- Vomitory
Expect a major tour across some of Europe’s most celebrated metal cities.
With “Loving The Dead”, VREID prove that after decades in the scene, they’re still willing to explore darker corners, and invite others to follow.